In what was long known as India’s cleanest city, Indore now faces a troubling public health crisis. Dozens of residents in the Bhagirathpura area have fallen ill, and several have died after allegedly drinking contaminated water from the municipal pipeline that brings Narmada river water into the city.
Local officials have acknowledged the outbreak, while residents say the toll and pain are far higher than what authorities admit, as per ANI.
According to health officials, at least three people have died and more than 100 others have been hospitalised in the past few days with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration after consuming tap water. The spread of illness first came to light when residents reported unusual smell and taste in the water supplied on December 25.
However, neighbours and community leaders claim the situation is far worse, saying five or more people, including several elderly women, have died, and over 1,000 people have suffered varying degrees of illness since late December. They allege that drainage or sewage may have mixed into the main water supply, leading to this outbreak.
Water samples sent for testing
Municipal authorities say they have detected a leakage in the main water pipeline near a toilet construction site, which may have allowed contaminated water to seep into the drinking supply. Teams have been dispatched to repair the line, and water samples have been collected for laboratory testing to understand the precise cause of contamination.
#WATCH | Indore, Madhya Pradesh: Several people fall ill after consuming contaminated water in Indore. pic.twitter.com/3mqZ93xc3t
— ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2025
Indore’s Chief Medical and Health Officer, Dr. Madhav Prasad Hasani, noted that health workers have surveyed thousands of homes in the area and provided primary care to many suffering mild symptoms, while more serious cases remain in hospital.
The crisis has sparked political accusations and demands for accountability. Opposition leaders have called for a culpable homicide FIR against top municipal officials, claiming the contamination reflects negligence. They argue that simple pipeline leakage alone can’t explain the deaths and widespread illness without deeper investigation.
Meanwhile, the state government has promised financial assistance for families of the deceased and pledged to cover medical costs for patients affected.
